It's Not as Simple as a Veto Anymore
Not long ago, the process was more straightforward: the state legislature would draw the maps, and the governor could sign or veto them like any other bill. But Ohio voters, tired of partisan gerrymandering, changed the rules. Constitutional amendments passed in 2015 and 2018 created a new, more complex system designed to force bipartisan compromise. While the old veto power still exists in specific circumstances, the governor's primary role has shifted from being the final backstop to being a key player at the negotiating table from the very beginning. The new process centers on the Ohio Redistricting Commission, and that’s where the governor's modern power truly lies.
A Seat at the Table: The Redistricting Commission
The governor’s most direct and significant power comes from their seat on
the seven-member Ohio Redistricting Commission. This group is tasked with drawing both state legislative and congressional maps. The commission is made up of the governor, the state auditor, the secretary of state, and four members appointed by the majority and minority leaders in the Ohio House and Senate. This means the governor is in the room where the map-making happens, with a direct vote on any proposed plan. To pass a map that lasts for a full 10 years, the commission needs bipartisan support—at least two members from the minority party must vote in favor. This structure makes the governor a central figure in negotiations, able to leverage their position to push for maps they support.
What If the Commission Fails?
The system has a multi-step process if the commission can't agree. For congressional maps, the legislature gets the first shot. If they pass a bipartisan map by a September deadline, it goes into effect for 10 years. If they fail, the job falls to the Ohio Redistricting Commission. If the commission still fails to pass a bipartisan map by its own deadline, the legislature gets another chance. At this stage, the majority party can pass a map without any bipartisan support, but that map is only valid for four years instead of ten. And here, the governor's traditional power can reappear: a map passed this way is treated like a regular bill, which means the governor can veto it. This serves as a crucial check, preventing the legislature from ramming through a hyper-partisan map at the last minute without the governor's consent.
The Bully Pulpit and Political Influence
Beyond formal powers, the governor wields significant informal influence. As the state's highest-ranking executive, the governor can use the “bully pulpit” to shape public opinion and apply pressure on other members of the commission. By holding press conferences, giving speeches, and using social media, a governor can publicly champion or condemn certain maps, making it politically costly for fellow party members to defy them. After the 2020 census, this process was tested repeatedly, with the Ohio Supreme Court striking down multiple sets of maps for being unconstitutional partisan gerrymanders. The governor’s public stance and willingness to negotiate (or not) with the opposition party members on the commission can set the tone for the entire process and determine whether the state ends up with a 10-year bipartisan map or a temporary, four-year partisan one.
